New Delhi: Former Australian cricket star Shane Watson recently made headlines by withdrawing from contention for the position of head coach for the Pakistan men’s cricket team, despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly meeting his salary requirements.
In addition to Watson, the PCB had also been considering West Indies cricket legend Daren Sammy for the role. However, Sammy, who is already contracted with the West Indies board, opted out of the running.
According to a report by news agency PTI, discussions between Watson and the PCB took place during the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, where Watson was serving as the head coach for the Quetta Gladiators.
“Watson had initially shown interest and kept certain financial and other conditions to accept the offer,” a source revealed.
The PCB agreed to meet Watson’s financial demands, reportedly offering him an annual remuneration of USD 2 million. However, Watson was displeased when details of the proposed package were leaked to the media and social media platforms in Pakistan.
Read More: IOC’s Coates Suggests Only 40 Russian Athletes at Paris Games
“But after the board more or less accepted Watson’s financial demands the Australian was not happy that details of the proposed package were leaked out in the Pakistan media and social media,” the source explained.
Ultimately, Watson declined the offer, citing prior commitments as a commentator in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other major cricket leagues, as well as a desire to spend more time with his young family in Sydney.
With Watson out of contention, the PCB now faces the task of arranging an interim coaching staff for the national team’s training camp in Kakul, scheduled from March 25 to April 8, ahead of the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
“Given the circumstances, the only viable option for the PCB at present is to appoint a team of local coaches for the camp and the series against New Zealand,” the source disclosed. “Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will make a decision following the PSL final on March 18.”
Naqvi has expressed a preference for hiring foreign coaches for the national team on a long-term basis, with a view to the upcoming World T20 Cup and Champions Trophy. In the interim, former Pakistan cricket captains such as Younis Khan, Muhammad Yousuf, Inzamam ul Haq, and Moin Khan are reportedly being considered.
